Jena Lokal - Local News, Events & Culture
Your update on city life, tips, and upcoming events in Jena.
A recent scientific study from Jena shows that humans in tropical rainforests were already intensively cultivating and processing crops thousands of years before the emergence of classical agriculture, challenging existing theories on the transition to farming.
A scientific paper from the Max-Planck-Institut für Geoanthropologie in Jena sheds new light on human dietary history: plants were an important food source in tropical rainforests thousands of years before the emergence of systematic agriculture.
Long before systematic agriculture, plants played an increasingly significant role in human nutrition. This is evidenced by a recent study from the Jena-based Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, based on findings from the rainforests of Sri Lanka.
The Institut für Altertumswissenschaften in Jena is highlighting its valuable cast collection in a new light. With a specially developed lighting concept, the massive plaster reproductions of ancient masterpieces are impressively staged and made accessible for both the public and research.
Jena, April 23, 2026 – The Friedrich Schiller University Jena presents casts of ancient Acropolis reliefs in the new exhibition “Lichtwechsel”. The works are showcased using a special lighting concept to make archaeological details precisely visible.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Stadtmuseum Jena invites families to a special tour and hands-on excavation workshop to explore local history and archaeology.
Significant progress is being made on the renovation of Jena’s Stadtkirche St. Michael. After debris was cleared from the vaulting to reveal historical structures, a crane will be deployed at Kirchplatz this Tuesday to remove materials. Archaeologists are also on-site searching for historical artifacts in the rubble, while the community has already contributed over 65,000 Euros to support this vital preservation effort.